The law in Georgia regarding tidal creeks and rivers operate under a different (looser) standard than "navigable". Ownership of tidal waters (and not necessarily the entire bed) is in the state. It doesn't have to be declared "navigable' for public usage and passage. If a boat floats in it, it can be fished, crabbed or transited, but not necessarily be clammed or oysters gathered by the public. Years ago, then governor Jimmy Carter was told by "deputized" private wardens that he couldn't enter and fish Christmas Creek on Cumberland Island. Same thing happened at the Slough on Ossabaw. The landowners found out differently. In a conversation with a Long Islander, I was told that some property ownership there is based upon Dutch law with different rules than the English common law. For instance, a non-resident of a certain township had better not toss an anchor out in certain waters as that would constitute a trespass. Gil
